Drone positioning, robot bomb disposal

◎Our reporter Zhang Qiang

Communicator Song Qiang Huang Zihan

Unmanned detection, precise positioning, rapid bomb disposal… Recently, a real-combat comprehensive drill is underway at a certain unit of the 71st Group Army. Soldiers operate drones and bomb disposal robots to quickly and accurately clear multiple unexploded ordnance in complex terrain, successfully completing the pathway opening mission.

Following a command from the command post, operator Wang Yikun decisively deploys the drone to scout the mission area, and uses a magnetic detection system at low altitude to scan and identify metallic unexploded ordnance, marking their locations. The high-definition images and positioning data are synchronized and transmitted in real-time to the large screen in the command post, making the originally complex battlefield situation clearly visible.

“Compared to traditional manual reconnaissance, using drones is faster and covers a wider area,” said bomb disposal team leader Bi Yongkang during a break in the drill, pointing to the screen. In previous combat operations, manual reconnaissance not only had low efficiency but also posed potential dangers to the reconnaissance personnel.

This drill marks the first time that drones and bomb disposal robots are used together to destroy unexploded bombs. “The location of the unexploded ordnance has been confirmed, and a bomb disposal robot is dispatched to clear it,” said Sergeant Major Hu Qianghui with focus. He remotely controls the robot to investigate the specific situation of the unexploded bomb, using a mechanical arm with a brush to clear soil covering the ordnance. Meanwhile, the drone continues to hover in the air, providing real-time positioning and environmental monitoring for the robot. Once ready, Hu Qianghui remotely operates the bomb disposal robot, and with the drone’s assistance, sets up a contactless energy-focused destruction device. With a loud explosion, the unexploded bomb is successfully destroyed, and the pathway opening task is smoothly completed.

Hu Qianghui said frankly, “Traditional bomb disposal methods require personnel to approach the unexploded ordnance, which takes a long preparation time, involves many operational steps, and carries significant safety risks. Any carelessness could lead to accidents.”

Today, intelligent unmanned equipment has become an important part of modern warfare. The unit has innovatively tackled key difficulties in bomb disposal, developing a “drone positioning, robot bomb disposal” unmanned collaborative tactic, effectively solving the problems of manual bomb disposal. This long-distance, contactless method can handle complex terrains and harsh weather conditions that make manual disposal difficult, significantly improving safety and efficiency.

“This new tactic can better adapt to complex combat environments, producing an effect where ‘1+1’ is much greater than ‘2’,” said a leader of the unit when discussing the new changes on the training ground. To transform technological innovations into combat effectiveness in a timely manner, they carefully planned, selecting technical and professional backbone personnel to form teams for tactical and technical breakthroughs. From familiarizing with equipment to integrating tactics, from theoretical simulations to field testing, soldiers worked tirelessly day and night, quickly incorporating new equipment into tactical training and exercises, and exploring and innovating multiple tactics and training methods.

Bi Yongkang, a leader of the bomb disposal team, said that this drill helps explore the practical application of unmanned equipment in combat operations and assists the unit in continuously improving its ability to accomplish diverse military tasks.

Tactical and training methods must not only be innovative but also withstand battlefield testing. During the drill, the unit arranged personnel to collect training data and evaluate the practicality of the tactics. Next, the unit will focus on over ten projects, including rapid pathway construction with drone cooperation, to carry out collective intelligence breakthroughs.